Balancing beef farming and time
Beef farmers, especially those operating part-time systems, are acutely aware that time is precious, not only for the operation of the farm, but for fulfilling off-farm work commitments and spending time with those most important to us.
Given the rise in part-time beef farming and the resulting need to operate more labour efficient systems, this year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference focuses on the theme of ‘Profitable Beef Farming, Balanced Lifestyle’.
Taking place in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co. Roscommon on Monday, November 30th from 5pm, session one focuses on the variables required to drive performance and profit from birth to slaughter. Speakers, including Martina Harrington, Teagasc Cattle Specialist, and Dr. Paul Smith, Teagasc Researcher, will address the respective topics of increasing suckler profitability and ensuring animals perform from weanling through to finish. Both will join a panel discussion afterwards to outline the critical tasks in maximising output from birth to slaughter.
Farming & Family Life: Finding the Right Balance
The focus changes for session two, switching to Farming & Family Life: Finding the Right Balance. Chaired by television personality, Helen Carroll, this session will examine how farmers can make beef farming work alongside farming and other commitments.
A schoolteacher by profession, Aonghusa Fahy will outline how he makes beef farming fit family life, focusing on the practices and technologies that make the task more manageable and enjoyable while still achieving a profitable beef production system.
Stepping away from the rostrum, Aonghusa will join fellow farmers Oliva Hynes, a suckler and sheep farmer from Co. Roscommon, and Colin Callanan, a dairy beef farmer from Co. Galway, to further expand upon the practices and actions they’ve taken to make time for better beef farming. Additionally, Seamus Nolan, Teagasc Schemes Support Unit Specialist, will outline the supports available through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, while Ger Hartnett, Senior Inspection with the Health & Safety Authority, will focus on remaining safe on beef farms.
For more and to view the full conference from the Teagasc National Beef Conference, visit here.